Peer Support Providers' Role Experiences on Interprofessional Mental Health Care Teams: A Qualitative Study

Community Ment Health J. 2016 Oct;52(7):767-74. doi: 10.1007/s10597-015-9970-5. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

Abstract

This study explores how peer support providers' roles are defined and integrated in inter-professional mental health care teams, and how these providers relate to other practitioners and clients. Interviews were conducted with peer support providers in two different formal models of peer support employment. Qualitative data analysis was undertaken. The findings indicate that: peer support providers experience ambiguity and that some ambiguity may offer benefits; peer support providers enhance team acceptance of their role through several means and strategies; setting boundaries with clients is a delicate issue that requires several considerations that we discuss.

Keywords: Boundaries with clients; Inter-professional teams; Peer support; Role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Patient Care Team* / organization & administration
  • Peer Group*
  • Professional Role
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Support*